David Blaine’s Friday Musing…

Oldie but Goodie!

I was helping a client develop performance evaluation criteria and ran across these old excerpts from British military evaluations. Managers often struggle when delivering negative performance feedback – not the Brits. In honor of Veteran’s Day, enjoy these actual excerpts from British military E’s (officer fitness reports), which are used by the Royal Navy and Marines:

– His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of curiosity.

– This Officer is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definitely won’t-be.

– When she opens her mouth, it seems that this is only to change whichever foot was previously in there.

– He has carried out each and every one of his duties to his entire satisfaction.

– Technically sound, but socially impossible.

– This Officer reminds me very much of a gyroscope – always spinning around at a frantic pace, but not really going anywhere.

– This young lady has delusions of adequacy.

– This Medical Officer has used my ship to carry his genitals from port to port, and my officers to carry him from bar to bar.

– Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig.

– She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.

– He has the wisdom of youth, and the energy of old age.

– This Officer should go far – and the sooner he starts, the better.

– In my opinion this pilot should not be authorized to fly below 250 feet.

– This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.

– The only ship I would recommend this man for is citizenship.

– Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap.